Banned driver was spotted outside Burnley club

A banned driver was caught after he went past Burnley Miners' Club and stewards spotted him, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court

Patrick Laverty (41), who was on a suspended sentence for battery, was arrested after making a short journey.

Burnley magistrates were told how Laverty, who uses amphetamine, had mental health problems, but refused to take medication.

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The defendant was spared jail, but the justices extended the operational period of the suspended term by six months.

Laverty, of Glen View Road, Burnley, admitted driving whilst disqualified on Plumbe Street, in the town, no insurance and no MOT, on March 31st.

He was given a 12-month community order, with a 25- day rehabilitation activity requirement and was further banned for six months.

Mr John Rusius, defending, said Laverty didn't feel medication was doing him any good.

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The solicitor described the defendant as quite vulnerable. He lived in a house without running water and used rain water. Mr Rusius continued: "He seems to live quite a strange lifestyle and does seem to be somebody in need of support."

Mr Rusius urged the Bench to make an order which would "address the difficulties he has, that will keep him out of trouble in the future".